Better Together
Chapter 10
Mike felt like there was a weight laying on his chest and it took everything he had to open his eyes. It was clear by the beeping of the machines that he was in a hospital and all he could remember was Mark Ross approaching him. Where were Christine and the girls? Had he gotten to them? Was he alone? Finally, a nurse approached and patted his arm.
"Just stay calm, Admiral. You are intubated. I've paged your doctor." The nurse said.
"My…family?" Mike asked around the tube in his throat. He wanted to pull it out himself.
"Your family is fine. They've been here everyday checking on you." The nurse said.
"Everyday?" Mike asked in confusion.
"Sir; you've been in a coma for over a week and it is three am." The nurse explained just as a doctor rushed in. The doctor and nurse spoke for a couple minutes before the doctor extubated Mike. It exhausted him and he felt out of breath for several more minutes. "Should we call his daughter?" The nurse asked the doctor.
"His…ex-wife is still technically over his care. I know the daughter is making some legal movements but now that he is awake; he'll be able to make his own decisions. They'll have to sort out the family issues later." The doctor said. The nurse nodded, gave Mike another drink of water and then left the room.
"What happened?" Mike asked his doctor who was charting.
"You were shot, sir. The bullet was dangerously close to your heart. It was touch and go for several days." The doctor said.
"With my family?" Mike clarified. He knew he had been shot because he still remembered the sound of the gun going off.
"Your oldest daughter and ex-wife have been battling pretty much all week about your care. At one point; we would only let your younger daughter in, but she is too young to make a lot of decisions and it is your ex-wife on your paperwork. She wanted what was best for you but there is definitely something between her and your daughter." The doctor explained.
"I'll take care of it." Mike said.
"You just take it easy." The doctor instructed just as the nurse came back in. She gave Mike a sweet smile and another drink of water.
"I got ahold of your ex-wife. She'll be here soon." The nurse assured him.
"Thank you." Mike said simply. He was a bit disappointed in Christine and Katie both, especially Katie, but he still wanted to see them. Needed to know they were okay. He must have drifted off to sleep, because the next thing he knew; day light was streaming through the window and Christine was there, rubbing his arm. She gave him a beautiful smile.
"Glad to see you awake again." Christine said. She bent over and kissed his cheek.
"So tired." Mike admitted.
"I'm sure you are. Just rest. The girls are wanting to see you but I told them it would have to wait until this evening." Christine said.
"What happened?" Mike asked.
"You went out for a run and Mark was apparently outside waiting. There was an altercation and struggle. His gun went off twice; shooting and killing him and hitting you in the chest." Christine explained as she brushed his hair away.
"With you and Katie?" Mike asked.
"She was unhappy that you had listed me as your emergency contact and was uncomfortable with some of the medical decisions I made for you-intubating you, that sort of thing. She has been trying to get the paperwork changed to where she was making your decisions, but you woke up; thankfully. Not because of the legal paperwork, but I am just glad to see you awake. She just didn't have the emotional strength to make those decisions." Christine explained. Mike got the feeling she was glossing over things but kept his mouth shut.
"I want to see her first. I am sick of this with her. I know you told them this evening; but I've had enough of it." Mike insisted.
"I'll tell her. I just don't want her to upset you." Christine said.
"I'll be okay." Mike said.
"Mike; I need to apologize for something. Do you remember the night before you were shot?" Christine asked.
"Bits and pieces." Mike answered.
"I…had been drinking and we slept together. It was me that suggested it and pressed you but afterwards; I accused you of taking advantage of the situation. We had a bit of a disagreement and you walked out. Then you got shot. Mike…it was me. I was the one that pushed to have sex." Christine explained.
"I don't remember." Mike admitted.
"Part of me is glad that you don't but I didn't want it to go unsaid. That wouldn't have been fair to you or me." Christine said. She bent down and kissed Mike on the lips. It was sweet and soft.
"I am glad you did. Your nightmare is over." Mike remarked.
"Mark is gone, but I won't be forgetting this week anytime soon." Christine said.
"We'll all heal. Even you and Katie will heal your relationship, but you have to want to." Mike said.
"I do. She has said some pretty malicious things over the past week but she is still my daughter and I want to get to the bottom of this. Hannah has been amazing and has been so helpful with Audrey." Christine said.
"That's my girl." Mike said with a smile.
"She's a good one. Do you want some breakfast?" Christine asked.
"I could eat." Mike answered.
"I'll get you some breakfast and call Katie to come visit. I'll bring Hannah and Audrey by this evening. Audrey has spent the week drawing pictures for you." Christine said with a smile.
"Sweetheart." Mike said.
"She is. Alright; I'll get you a breakfast and get Katie here." Christine said. She gave him another kiss before leaving, leaving Mike to his own thoughts on how to deal with their oldest daughter.